OWNERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sales, Financing & Pricing

Q. Is Buick currently offering any incentives or Special Offers?

A. Incentive offers vary throughout the year. Please see the Current Offers page for Buick's national or regional incentives or contact a dealer at the Buick Dealer Locator to inquire about any potential local offers. If you would prefer to contact us by phone, we can be reached at 1-800-422-8425. Monday - Friday 8am-9pm EST. Saturday 9am-6pm EST.

Q. What are the different option packages and prices?

A. Because the available options and their prices vary from model to model, it's best to ask your dealer for the specifics. He or she will be glad to explain the options available for the model you're interested in. To locate a Buick dealer please visit the Buick Dealer Locator.

Q. When can I place an order for next year's model?

A. Ask your local Buick dealer for specifics about the model you're interested in. He or she will be glad to provide you with a schedule. To locate a Buick dealer please visit the Buick Dealer Locator.

Q. How are trade-in values determined?

A. Your trade-in value is determined by the Dealer and could vary based on many factors, including mileage, the overall condition of your vehicle, the popularity of your vehicle and current regional market conditions. Check with your Dealer for details.

Q. Can I purchase a Buick directly from the factory?

A. No. However, you may order a vehicle from the factory through an authorized Buick dealer. To locate a Buick dealer please visit the Buick Dealer Locator.

Q. What types of vehicle financing are available through Ally Bank?

A. Whether you want to lease or buy, your GM dealership and Ally have some smart ways to fit a new GM vehicle into your life and your budget. To view the range of Ally financing choices your dealership offers to qualified customers, visit Ally.

Q. Can I apply online to get pre-approved for financing before I go to the dealership?

A. Yes. Just fill out and submit the online application. Once your information is received, it will be processed quickly and an e-mail will be sent to you with a printable certificate to take to the GM dealership of your choice to complete the application process.

Product Features

Q. What is E85 Ethanol?

A. E85 Ethanol a blend of 85% ethanol and 15 gasoline, is a renewable fuel made mostly from U.S.-grown corn. E85 Ethanol Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are designed to run on E85, gasoline or any blend of the two. Learn more about E85 and locate fueling stations near you.

Q. Where can I find information about air bags/supplemental inflatable restraints on Buick vehicles?

A. To learn about the specific items on your vehicle, please refer to Section 1 in your Buick Owner's Manual, "Seats and Restraint Systems." For general information please visit the safety section on the GM website.

Q. What is Electronic Stability Control (i.e., StabiliTrak) and how does it work?

A. Stability enhancement systems help drivers maintain control of vehicles during certain low traction driving conditions such as ice, snow, gravel, wet pavement and uneven road surfaces, as well as in emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers. For more details as well as how the system works, please visit the StabiliTrak section on the GM website.

Q. What is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive?

A. A vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive temporarily transfers power to all four driving wheels automatically when the need is sensed by the vehicle. A vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4) can transfer power from two wheels to all four wheels upon driver demand, usually by pushing a button or turning a switch.

Q. What is OnStar®?

A. Onstar is now offered on nearly every GM vehicle sold in the US and Canada. OnStar is the in-vehicle safety and security system created to help protect you and your family on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system offers:

Call 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.com for system limitations and details.

Q. What is OnStar® Vehicle Diagnostics?

A. OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is an exclusive new service that runs diagnostic checks on a vehicle's key operating systems and sends the customer monthly reports by e-mail. It's available only from OnStar and GM — just one more way OnStar helps give you peace of mind on the road. Visit onstar.com for more information.

Warranty

Q. What is the 100,000 mile/5-year Powertrain warranty?

A. All GM cars and light duty trucks are covered. The Powertrain Limited Warranty is 100,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first, see dealer for details). It is fully transferable and there are no fees and no deductibles. In addition, the Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation programs are also 100,000 miles or 5-years (whichever comes first). For more details, please visit your Buick Dealer or visit the Warranty section on GM.com.

Q. How is the bumper-to-bumper warranty affected by this 100,000-mile/5-year warranty?

A. The bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty on new Buick cars and light-duty trucks remains in effect for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first, see dealer for details). The powertrain limited warranty supplements the bumper to bumper warranty and, in general, continues to cover the engine, transmission, transfer case and axle assemblies on light duty vehicles up to the 100,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first, see dealer for details) from the vehicle's in-service date. For more details, please visit your dealer or visit the Warranty section on GM.com.

Q. What does the bumper-to-bumper warranty cover?

A. The Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty covers most GM vehicles registered in the U.S. and Canada from the date the vehicle is first delivered until it reaches 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first, see dealer for details). It covers the vehicle from bumper to bumper on any vehicle defect related to materials or workmanship. Original tires are covered but prorated after 12,000 miles during the terms of the Bumper to Bumper Limited Warranty. For further details, look in the Owner's Manual under "What Is Covered" and "What Is Not Covered."

Q. Is my vehicle covered from rust, too?

A. Buick vehicles are designed and built to resist corrosion. All body and sheet metal components are warranted against rust-through corrosion for a minimum of 6 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first). Application of additional rust-inhibiting materials is not required under the corrosion coverage and none is recommended. See your Buick dealer for terms of this limited warranty.

Q. Does Buick offer any service contracts for new or used vehicles?

A. Yes, the Buick Protection Plan is a great option for new and used vehicles and is available through Buick dealers. To learn more about the benefits of the program, see the Extended Protection section.

Maintenance, Service & Repair

Q. Who do I contact if I have a concern with my vehicle?

A. Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Buick. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer's sales or service departments. The first step is to discuss your concern with a member of dealership management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level. To locate a Buick dealer, please visit the Buick Dealer Locator.

Q. Why are Certified Service technicians so important?

A. From changing oil to changing engines, these automotive experts use only Genuine GM Parts & Accessories that are designed specifically for your GM vehicle. They're also tested for performance and reliability. So no matter what kind of GM vehicle you own, trust it to the Certified Service trained technicians at your GM dealer. You'll spend less time in the shop and more time on the road. For more details, please visit mycertifiedservice.com.

Q. How do I obtain an Owner's Manual?

A. You can visit the Buick Owner Center to view or download an electronic copy for many vehicles from 1993 to present. Just select your year, make and model and then click “View Your Owner’s Manual”. If you want to receive an official paper copy, you may contact Helm, Inc. Manuals are available for most GM vehicles for a fee. You can reach Helm Publications Ordering at 1-800-551-4123.

Q. What is MyGMlink?

A.

MyGMlink.com is a FREE service offered to GM customers where they can access and receive:

A. Buick will notify all customers of affected recalls in writing within 60 days of the recall announcement. To determine sooner if your vehicle is involved in a recall, visit the Buick Owner Center to check your specific VIN for recall notices.

Q. What type of oil should I use in my Buick vehicle?

A. You can find this answer by looking in your Owner’s Manual under “Oil, Engine.” For most vehicles from 1993 to present, you can view or download your manual online at the Buick Owner Center. Just select your year, make and model and then click “View Your Owner’s Manual”.

Parts & Accessories

A. Currently, Buick parts can only be purchased through your local Buick Dealer. However, some Buick retail websites do allow for the purchase of parts from their facilities via their websites. Therefore, please review your local Buick Dealer's websites for this information.

Q. Why should I purchase Buick Accessories over accessories from competing manufacturers?

A. Buick Accessories are designed by Buick designers with the styling and functionality that best complement your vehicle. They are engineered by the same team of engineers who developed your vehicle — and are integrated into the vehicle design for best fit, function and long life. Buick Accessories are tested to Buick standards for performance, durability and safety.

Q. Where can I buy Buick Accessories?

A. Whether you want to add accessories to a brand-new vehicle or at a later date, the best place to purchase Buick Accessories is always your local dealership. They have a wide variety of accessories on hand — or can order them for you for the quickest delivery. Just contact your Parts Manager or Sales Consultant, and they will be glad to help. Click to find the dealership nearest you.

Q. What type of warranty supports Buick Accessories?

A. Buick Accessories are protected by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty* when they are installed by a dealership or Accessories Distributor Installer (ADI) at the time of new vehicle delivery. After that time, they are warranted for the longer of the following: a) 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever comes first) or b) the balance of the applicable portion of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

*Most Buick parts and accessories sold and installed on a Buick vehicle by a Buick dealer or Buick-approved Accessory Distributor Installer (ADI) before delivery to the customer are covered under the applicable portion (Bumper-to-Bumper, Powertrain, etc.) of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If Buick Accessories are installed after vehicle delivery, or replaced under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, they will be covered, parts and labor, for the longer of the following: a) 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever comes first) or b) the balance of the applicable portion of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See your dealer for details.

Q. What types of Buick Accessories are available?

A. Each model has different accessories that are offered. Depending on the model, you can choose from wheels to floor mats to trim packages to ski/bike/luggage racks and much, much more. For new vehicles, visit www.buick.com/models/accessories.html to view available accessories for your vehicle, then contact your dealership’s Parts Manager or Sales Consultant to place an order. For previous model years, please visit www.buickaccessories.com for a full selection of available accessories.

Q. If I purchase a Buick Accessories item and it needs service later on, where should I go?

A. Buick Accessories are developed by the same engineers and designers who developed the other components of your vehicle. That means your dealership’s Service Technicians are trained to repair accessories just as they are trained to repair any other mechanical issue/function of your vehicle. And remember: if you purchase your accessories from your dealership, you get the peace of mind of knowing it’s under a limited warranty.*

*Most Buick parts and accessories sold and installed on a Buick vehicle by a Buick dealer or Buick-approved Accessory Distributor Installer (ADI) before delivery to the customer are covered under the applicable portion (Bumper-to-Bumper, Powertrain, etc.) of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If Buick Accessories are installed after vehicle delivery, or replaced under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, they will be covered, parts and labor, for the longer of the following: a) 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever comes first) or b) the balance of the applicable portion of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See your dealer for details.

Q. Can Buick models be accessorized to accommodate wheelchairs?

A. Absolutely. GM has a long history of adapting vehicles for special needs, which can include the use of Buick Accessories. Be sure to check the GM Mobility site for more information.

Safety

Q. What makes an air bag inflate?

A. In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of inflation gas. This gas inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag, and related hardware are all part of the air bag module packed inside the steering wheel for the driver air bag and in the instrument panel for the right front passenger air bag.

Q. When should an air bag inflate?

A. The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system's designed "threshold level." If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn't move or deform, the threshold level is about 14 to 18 mph (23 to 29 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and the vehicle's deceleration.

Q. Will a side or rear impact or rollover cause the air bag to deploy?

A. If the vehicle is equipped with seat mounted side impact or roof rail mounted head curtain air bags, those will deploy in a side impact. If the vehicle is equipped with a roll over capable head curtain air bags, a roll over sensor will deploy the head curtain air bags in a roll over incident

The frontal air bags will not deploy in a side impact or roll over, unless there is also a front or front-corner impact of sufficient severity to trigger the frontal airbags.

The airbags will not deploy in a rear impact.

Q. Is it still necessary to wear a safety belt with the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint system?

A. Yes! The air bag supplements the protection provided by the shoulder belts. Remember, the air bag is designed to inflate in moderate-to-severe frontal and near-frontal crashes. Safety belts can provide protection in impacts other than frontal and near-frontal collisions.

Q. Where can I find information about air bags/supplemental inflatable restraints on Buick vehicles?

A. To learn about the specific items on your vehicle, please refer to Section 1 in your Buick Owner's Manual, "Seats and Restraint Systems." For general information please visit the safety section on the GM website.

Q. What kind of child-safety seats should I use in my Buick vehicle?

A.

There are no specific child restraints that Buick recommends or endorses, but we do have some information that might be helpful to you.

Buick's seats and safety belt systems are designed to accommodate child restraints. However, we cannot be certain that all child restraints will be compatible with Buick vehicles. Our cars conform to SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) J1819 standard, which is a recommended guideline for automotive safety belt and child restraint compatibility. Therefore, child restraints that conform to this standard will be more compatible with the seats and safety belt systems used in Buick vehicles. Also, your Buick Dealer can install a tether anchor kit (at no charge to you) that will anchor front-facing child seats.

First, we recommend you work with a child-safety seat manufacturer, or a local retail outlet that sells child restraint seats, for possible suggestions on what type of seat would be most appropriate for your needs. You could also take your child restraint to a checkup event or contact a local CPS technician for additional assistance. There are a couple of websites that have some good information on this topic.

Buick Roadside

A. Buick has a Roadside Assistance program to aid owners during an emergency and with other services. It is a complimentary service that comes with each new Buick. Services provided include:

24-hour, 7-days-a-week toll-free 800 phone assistance

Towing to the closest GM divisional dealer (from a legal roadway)

Flat tire change (using vehicle's spare or tire inflator kit)

Battery jump-start

Vehicle unlock service (costs for a new key and the labor to create not covered)

Trip interruption assistance (coverage varies by brand)

Trip routing (coverage varies by brand)

Emergency fuel delivery (up to $5.00 worth)

Q. How do I contact Roadside Assistance?

A. If your Buick vehicle is equipped with an active OnStar subscription, the customer can simply press the blue button for roadside service. If it is not equipped with OnStar, please call 1-800-252-1112 to initiate roadside assistance for your vehicle.

Q. How long is my vehicle covered by Roadside Assistance?

A. Roadside Assistance is included for 100,000 miles/5 years on 2007 and newer GM models.

Q. Are there any costs to me for using Roadside Assistance?

A. There is generally no charge for any of the services listed under "What is Roadside Assistance?" while the vehicle is covered by the complimentary Roadside Assistance service. However, additional charges may be incurred for some services, including towing the vehicle beyond the closest Buick dealer; for non-warranty parts and labor; or for lost key replacements. For details and additional information, please refer to Section 7 of the Owner's Manual.

GM Mobility

Q. What is the GM Mobility Program?

A. General Motors is committed to helping persons with disabilities equip their vehicles for easier travel. To learn about the GM Mobility program, please visit www.gmmobility.com or contact the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.

Q. I (We) would like to request a monetary or vehicle donation from General Motors or one of its divisions. What do I (we) do?

A. General Motors and the GM Foundation support a variety of activities in the communities where we do business. For guidelines that apply to proposals to either GM or the GM Foundation for grants, event participation, or vehicle donation requests please visit www.gm.com.

To view or download a courtesy electronic copy of your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual (for most vehicles from 1993 to present), visit the Buick Owner Center, select your year, make and model and then click “View Your Owner’s Manual”.

Q. Can I log in using my OnStar Username and Password?

A. Yes. When you log in with your OnStar credentials, your personal information and vehicle information will be shared with the Buick Owner Center. If you have more than one vehicle with OnStar, you will be asked which vehicle(s) you would like to link to your Buick Owner Center account.

Q. What happens if I end my OnStar Account? Can I still log in using my OnStar username and password?

A. Yes. Your username and password will still allow you access to the Buick Owner Center, even if your OnStar subscription ends.

Q. I input my name and address, but my Vehicle is not showing up. Why?

A. If you purchased your vehicle through a private sale, your vehicle ownership information may not be updated in our system. You can register this vehicle by inputting your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the Buick Owner Center. If you purchased a new or used vehicle from a dealer, it may be a few weeks before your vehicle information is updated in our system.

Q. What do I do when the system does not recognize my VIN?

A. There are several reasons that we may not recognize your VIN. If your vehicle is a new purchase, it may take up to 45 days for the VIN to be input into our systems. Or, perhaps the VIN was entered incorrectly. Please follow the instructions below. If you’d like to save these instructions for future use, you can download the PDF version.

Step 1:
Check to make sure you entered the correct VIN number by clicking on the Edit Vehicle Information button below.

Step 2:
If your VIN was entered correctly, it means that our system has not processed your vehicle purchase yet. You will still be able to access a wide variety of Buick Owner Center information if you re-register by Year, Make and Model. Just do the following:

1. On the Edit Vehicle Information page, remove the vehicle you just registered
2. Click Add Vehicle. You will re-enter the vehicle registration process. Then, register by Year, Make, and Model from the bottom of the page and click “Save.”

3. Return to the edit vehicle information page and enter your VIN, then click Save and Finish. Once your vehicle is in our system, usually 45 days after purchase, information specific to your vehicle will be displayed.

If you made a typing error and your VIN is incorrect, you can re-register the vehicle with the correct VIN. Just do the following:
1. On the Edit Vehicle Information page, remove the vehicle you just registered
2. Click Add Vehicle. You will re-enter the vehicle registration process and may enter the correct VIN.

If your VIN is still not recognized, you can start a Live Chat with our experts or call 1-866-694-6546 for assistance.

If you own a vehicle that was not purchased in the United States, unfortunately we can’t recognize your vehicle at this time. Please visit your vehicle brand site for more information.

Q. I have OnStar but I do not have a username/password. What should I do?

A. You can take one of two actions:

You can create a Buick Owner Center account here, then add your OnStar account information to your profile. You will then be able to see your OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics information and other select OnStar details in your Buick Owner Center account.

You can visit OnStar.com and set up an online account. Use that username and password to create a Buick Owner Center account. This will allow you to log in to both the Buick Owner Center and OnStar.com with the same username/password.

Q. How can I access my vehicle information if the Buick Owner Center website is not working?

A. You can contact the Buick Owner Center by calling 1.866.694.6546. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST.

Q. I cannot access my Buick Owner Center account. Do I need to update my operating system or browser?

A. The site will work on Windows XP, Windows 7 and Mac OS 10 operating systems. One of the following browsers is required, either the most recent version or the version prior to that:

Firefox

Safari

Google Chrome

Opera

Internet Explorer

Q. How is my preferred dealer chosen?

A. Your preferred dealer is either the dealer who sold you the vehicle or your selected OnStar preferred dealer. You can change your preferred dealer in the Preferred Dealer tool on the homepage.

Q. Why can’t I see my service history records?

A. You may not see service history records if your dealer does not participate in service history data sharing or if your service was performed within the past 2 weeks. If you’ve had your vehicle serviced at multiple dealerships, you may only be able to see some of your records, depending on dealer participation.

Q. I entered my service records into onstar.com. Why should I use the Buick Owner Center?

A. Along with displaying your personally entered OnStar service records, the Buick Owner Center also allows you to see dealer service history. It’s a convenient way to consolidate all of your account information, get valuable information on your vehicle and view recalls, all in one place. You can even create an account using your OnStar credentials.

Q. If I update my records in my new Buick Owner Center account, will they show up in my onstar.com account (and vice versa)?

A. If you enter your service records in your onstar.com account, they will show up in your new Buick Owner Center account. However, if you enter them in your new Buick Owner Center account, they will not appear in your OnStar account at this time.

Q. What is OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and how do I enroll?

A. If you subscribe to this service, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics will check your vehicle's key systems about every 30 days—including engine, air bags and antilock brakes—while you drive. The system also provides important maintenance information related to oil life and tire pressure.* OnStar summarizes all this information in an easy-to-read email, so you can stay updated on the condition of your vehicle and have a greater peace of mind. To enroll for this complimentary service, go to onstar.com.

A. There is a slight time lag between when transactions occur on the GM Rewards Card website and when they are reflected on your Buick Owner Center account. It may take up to five days for the information to match.

Q. Why is my OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics information out-of-date?

A. We pull data for your vehicle's OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics summary monthly. All information on your account should reflect what is included in your most recent OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail.

Q. Why is my most recent OnStar renewal not reflected on my account?

A. Most likely, you have just renewed your subscription. There is a slight time lag between when transactions occur on OnStar.com and when they are reflected on your Buick Owner Center account. It may take up to 30 days for the information to match.

Q. Why am I unable to view my SiriusXM account information if I don’t have OnStar?

A. Currently, our systems are only able to access SiriusXM account information for those customers who are OnStar subscribers. Check back soon for system updates that will allow you to see your subscription information without having an active OnStar account.

Q. Why is my SiriusXM account information out of date?

A. There may be a slight time delay between when SiriusXM account updates occur and when they are reflected on your Buick Owner Center account. You can always get your account status by logging in to the "Manage Account" section of siriusxm.com

Q. How will I know when a recall is closed?

A. It can take up to two weeks for the Buick Owner Center to reflect that the dealer has addressed your recall. Once the Buick Owner Center has been notified, the recall link will no longer appear in the homepage Recall tool for your vehicle.